Press Statement dated 4 December 2018
The Public Servants Association (PSA) welcomes the appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 4 December 2018 of Advocate Shamila Batohi as new of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).
“The PSA hopes that this appointment will change the status quo at the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA), which has been marred by negative reports. A relook of the structure that was formed during the Zuma era will be a good starting point for the new head of NPA to effect change,” said PSA Acting General Manager, Tahir Maepa.
The PSA pointed out that funding for key posts to strengthen capacity is required in the Department. “The PSA is aware that senior and junior staff members have been leaving the Department, some even for lower-paying jobs owing to the unsatisfactory working environment and lack of proper leadership. A lack of funding will be as good as setting up the new NDPP up for failure,” said Mr Maepa.
The PSA calls on Adv Batohi to speed up the finalisation of political prosecutions that have been hanging for years, wasting taxpayers’ money and eroding public confidence. “The PSA understands the extent of the tasks at hand but expects Adv Batohi to at least within a month of taking office be able to give an analysis of the challenges in the Department and announce a plan of action and time frame to deal with these matters a time-frame,” said Mr Maepa.
“The PSA wishes Adv Batohi well in this challenging position and encourages all stakeholders to give her the support and resources needed to turnaround the NPA. The PSA also applauds the President for the transparent way he dealt with this appointment. In addition, the endeavour to advance competent women to key positions has been achieved,” said Mr Maepa.
Issued by Tahir Maepa, Deputy General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)